For the Love of Photography + Stories + Gear

July 12, 2018

A Tesla Trio and an Update

A Tesla Trio, Santana Row – San Jose, California

The Teslas were there looking cool at the showroom at Santana Row in San Jose. This store is a lot larger than Austin’s and enough to display all three models. The Model S to the right, the Model 3 to the left and the Model X in the back. They spell S-3-X. Apparently, originally, they wanted to call the Model 3, the Model E.

Enticing cars, no doubt. Co-workers have driven me in the Model S and 3, though I have never driven one myself. The thing is, my desire for them have diminished considerably. Despite my large camera collection, I’m basically a frugal person and can’t justify spending the big bucks to buy one. Also, I like to keep my cars for many years and Tesla doesn’t have a proven track record, just yet. Finally, my new car gets me half way towards an all-electric future.

Talking about my new car, about a month ago, I blogged that I purchased a Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. After 6 weeks, I’ve driven 930 miles and have not used any gasoline. The 50 or so miles per electric charge is more than enough for my daily commute and weekend chores. This week, I finally forced myself to engage the gasoline engine. After all, I’ve yet to break it in.

I must admit that the near-luxury plush ride of the Clarity puts a big grin on my face. I call it my “High Tech Old Man’s car”. Perhaps it doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement, but I say it with the utmost respect. This huge 4,000 pound sedan is smooth, quiet and the acceleration is more than enough for daily usage. It doesn’t have the speed and sexiness of a Tesla, but at a 1/2 to 1/4 the cost and with Honda’s generally respected reputation for reliability, it’s a prudent choice. And for me, prudent tops cool.

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